Insertable waveguide to improve acoustic signal transmission in wooden specimen

ABSTRACT

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods of manufacture for an exemplary waveguide usable for acoustic signal transmission for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen. An exemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer. The mating portion comprises an impact surface and a contact well that is fabricated within the impact surface so that the contact well is not contacted during an impact that drives the waveguide into wood. The contact well is utilized to connect the waveguide to a transducer horn. The waveguide further comprises a body portion that comprises a radiating component optimized for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of wood and transmission of ultrasonic signal data. Further non-limiting examples describe an interfacing component for securing one or more devices to the waveguide as well as an extraction component that is configured to minimize damage to the waveguide during extraction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/737,405, filed Sep. 27, 2018 and titled “INSERTABLE WAVEGUIDE TOIMPROVE ULTRASONIC TRANSMISSION THROUGH UTILITY POLE”, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods capableof producing and receiving acoustic signals in the area ofnon-destructive evaluation (NDE), where the acoustic signals may beutilized to assess structural integrity of a wood specimen.

BACKGROUND

The aging infrastructure power distribution grids across the worlddemands a rigorous and an objective monitoring process to assessstructural integrity of hundreds of millions of wooden utility poles.Current inspection methodologies are antiquated and either lack theability to provide truly accurate evaluations and/or result incompromising the structural integrity of a utility pole. For instance,one commonly utilized method of evaluating utility poles is aninspectors' visual evaluation of the pole. Visual inspection may be ableto identify some structural integrity issues but is not a true indicatorof whether the utility pole is experiencing incipient decay internally.As an example, a utility pole may appear to be fine, where an inspectorgives the utility pole a passing grade, but internal decay maysignificantly affect the longevity of the pole, sometimes cutting itslifetime by decades. As there may be long gaps between the times when autility pole is inspected, it is paramount to accurately assess thestructural integrity of the utility pole.

Alternative measures for inspecting utility poles include drilling intothe utility pole and testing a wood sample from its core. While this mayprovide more a reliable indication of whether a utility pole isexperiencing decay, as compared with visual inspection, drilling intothe core of a utility pole compromises the structural integrity of thepole. For instance, utility poles are coated with a protective layeringthat helps minimize exposure to elements that expedite decay. If thisprotective layering is compromised, decay can be expedited due toexposure to elements of nature, bacteria, etc.

Additional concerns exist when new technology is integrated in a fieldthat commonly uses such antiquated methods to evaluate structuralintegrity. For instance, usage of complex electronic equipment may posetraining challenges for inspectors and result in human error duringactual operation as complex operating environments can be created.

Furthermore, there are technical complications when considering theapplication of acoustic signals to evaluate a wooden structure such as awooden utility pole. For instance, a component is needed to transmit anacoustic signal through the wooden specimen. That component needs to beinsertable into the wooden specimen, common examples of which are nailsand screws. However, commercial off-the-shelf metal nails/screws aredesigned for hardware purposes and not as a transmission carrier foracoustic signals. For instance, a resonance frequency of a commercialoff-the-shelf metal nail/screw is not tuned for accurate transmission ofacoustic signals. This raises the likelihood of receiving inaccuratereadings if a commercial off-the-shelf metal nail/screw is used as acomponent to transmit an acoustic signal through the wooden specimen.Resonance issues become greater when commercial off-the-shelf metalnails/screws are threaded and not flat and uniform. For instance, acommercial off-the-shelf metal nail/screw that is threaded can creategreater resonance variance leading to distorted signal reading that mayaffect an inspection of a wooden specimen.

Additional complications arise when an inspector uses commercialoff-the-shelf metal nails/screws for inspection of a wooden specimen. Asan example, an inspector may hammer an ordinary nail into the woodenspecimen. The resulted force of hammering a nail into the woodenspecimen may result in damage or deformation of a nail head. The damagedsurface impedes sound propagation and introduces uncontrollablevariations during transmission, which can greatly impact inspectionresults.

For these and other reasons, the present disclosure is presented togreatly advance the technical field of testing of structural integrityof wooden structures.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing technical challenges, non-limiting examples ofthe present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods ofmanufacture for an exemplary waveguide that is usable for acousticsignal transmission for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a woodenspecimen. Among other technical benefits, the waveguide is designed andconfigured to: resonate at a predetermined frequency to provide energytransmission and reception of acoustic signals (e.g., ultrasound);optimize signal transmission therethrough including reduction inattenuation of transmitted ultrasonic signals; provide an intuitive andprotective design that enhances usage of the waveguide fornon-destructive evaluation of wooden structures as well as enables thewaveguide to seamlessly integrate with other devices, components etc. Anexemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with atransducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer or the like. The matingportion comprises an impact surface and a contact well, which isfabricated within the impact surface so that the contact well is notcontacted during an impact that drives the waveguide into wood. Thecontact well is utilized to connect the waveguide to a transducer horn.The waveguide further comprises a body portion that comprises aradiating component optimized for NDE of a wooden specimen andtransmission of ultrasonic signal data therethrough. Furthernon-limiting examples describe an interfacing component for securing oneor more devices to the waveguide as well as an extraction component thatis configured to minimize damage to the waveguide during extraction.Additional non-limiting examples describe methods of manufacturing NDEcomponents described herein.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionalaspects, features, and/or advantages of examples will be set forth inpart in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparentfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference tothe following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view providing non-limiting examples of awaveguide, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view providing non-limiting examples of awaveguide, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a procedural diagram for insertion of a waveguideinto a wooden specimen, with which aspects of the present disclosure maybe practiced.

FIG. 4 illustrates side views providing non-limiting examples of awaveguide, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view providing non-limiting examples of anexemplary interfacing component, with which aspects of the presentdisclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view providing non-limiting examples of anexemplary extraction component, with which aspects of the presentdisclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view providing a non-limiting example ofinsertion of a waveguide into a wooden specimen, with which aspects ofthe present disclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view illustrating a non-limiting example of aninteraction between a waveguide and a coupling interface component, withwhich aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view illustrating a non-limiting example of aninteraction between a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) device, acoupling interface component and a waveguide, with which aspects of thepresent disclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view illustrating a non-limiting example ofan interaction between a waveguide and an extraction component, withwhich aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a waveguide andother associated components such as an interfacing component and anextraction component, with which aspects of the present disclosure maybe practiced.

FIG. 12 illustrates a computing device for NDE of a wooden specimen,with which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices,systems and methods of manufacture for an exemplary waveguide that isusable for acoustic signal transmission for non-destructive evaluation(NDE) of a wooden specimen. Among other technical benefits, thewaveguide is designed and configured to: resonate at a predeterminedfrequency to provide energy transmission and reception of acousticsignals (e.g., ultrasound); optimize signal transmission therethroughincluding reduction in attenuation of transmitted ultrasonic signals;provide an intuitive and protective design that enhances usage of thewaveguide for non-destructive evaluation of wooden structures as well asenables the waveguide to seamlessly integrate with other devices,components etc. A non-limiting example of a wooden specimen is a woodenutility pole. However, examples described herein may pertain to NDE ofany type of wooden specimen including but not limited to woodencylinders such as wooden utility poles, pilings and logs, among otherexamples. Moreover, it is to be understood that the present disclosuremay be extended to work with structures comprising any material (notjust wood) though modifications that are recognized by one skilled inthe field of art. One or more NDE devices, attached to the woodenspecimen, are configured to transmit and/or receive acoustic signals,via an exemplary waveguide, to execute NDE of the wooden specimen.Non-limiting examples of acoustic signals comprise but are not limitedto ultrasonic waves/ultrasonic signal data. Ultrasonic signals arereferenced throughout the description for convenience, however it is tobe understood that the present disclosure may work with any type ofacoustic signal.

In addition to the technical benefits identified above, an exemplarywaveguide is designed and fabricated to allow ultrasonic waves to beguided into a wooden specimen regardless of the surface conditions ofthe wooden specimen. The waveguide is designed and fabricated toresonate at a predetermined frequency that is optimal for energytransmission of ultrasonic waves. As such, the waveguide is optimallytuned for NDE of wooden specimen including but not limited to woodencylinders, such as poles, pilings and log, among other examples. Thisovercomes the technical challenges presented when trying to utilize toordinary nails/screws to conduct NDE evaluation of wooden structures.

Additional advantages of the waveguide overcome technical challenges inthe field of NDE of wooden specimen such as wooden utility poles. Forinstance, an exemplary waveguide is designed and fabricated to comprisea protected mating interface that mitigates any deformation or damage tothe waveguide that may affect transmission of acoustic signalstherethrough, for example, resulting from impact that secures thewaveguide into a wooden specimen. Moreover, an exemplary waveguide isfabricated to provide a depth indicator on a radiating component tocontrol insertion depth of the waveguide thereby providing inspectorswith a visual indication of how deep to insert the waveguide into thewooden specimen as well as mitigate damage to the wooden specimen thatmay result from puncturing the wooden specimen too deeply.

Furthermore, an exemplary waveguide provides structural support forattached devices that may be utilized for inspection purposes. Forinstance, a unique fabricated design of the waveguide enables devices tobe attached to the waveguide to execute NDE of a wooden specimen.Non-limiting examples of such devices comprise but are not limited toultrasonic sensors, transducers, NDE devices for testing of woodenspecimen (e.g., wooden structures), coupling interfacing components,extraction components and computing devices, among other examples.

An exemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with atransducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer. The mating portioncomprises an impact surface and a contact well, which is fabricatedwithin the impact surface so that the contact well is not contactedduring an impact that drives the waveguide into wood. The contact wellis utilized to connect the waveguide to a transducer horn of anultrasonic transducer or other type of device that used to generateacoustic waves for NDE of a wooden specimen. Through fabrication, thecontact well is cut into the impact surface so that the contact well isprotected and not compromised by the impact of driving the waveguideinto a wooden structure, for example, via any type of impact includingpneumatic pressure. In one example, the contact well may be circular inshape to securely attach to a transducer horn of an ultrasonictransducer. However, it is to be recognized that the contact well may befabricated in any shape to fit any type of device that is interfacingwith the waveguide without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. In alternative examples, an exemplary waveguide may bethreaded to enable insertion of the waveguide into a wooden specimenwithout the needs to use a hammer, mallet, pneumatic device. However, athreaded waveguide may result in a reduction of energy duringtransmission of an acoustic signal, thereby rendering usage of such awaveguide to a case by case basis.

The waveguide further comprises a body portion that extends from themating portion to formulate a single NDE component. The body portioncomprises a radiating component optimized for NDE of wood andtransmission of ultrasonic signal data. The radiating componentcomprises an upper body portion, that is drivable into a woodenstructure, and a lower body portion that is attached to and extendsoutwardly from the upper body portion and is attached to the matingportion. This configuration and dimensions optimize propagation ofultrasonic waves through the contact well into the wooden specimenthrough the body of the waveguide. In some non-limiting examples, adiameter of the upper body portion of the radiating component is smallerthan a diameter of the lower body portion. This configuration minimizesthe intrusion of the waveguide into the wooden specimen as well ascreates a visual depth indicator, at an intersection between the upperbody portion and the lower body portion, for driving the radiatingcomponent into the wooden specimen. This helps inspectors drive thewaveguide into the wooden specimen only as much as necessary to optimizepropagation of ultrasonic signal data through the wooden specimen whileminimizing impact to structural integrity of the wooden specimen. Infurther examples, the upper body portion and the lower body portion arecylindrical in shape through it is to be recognized that any type ofshape that formulates a uniform cross-section into the wooden structurecan be fabricated without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Furthermore, an end portion of the upper body portion maycomprise a cone-shaped tip or a linear tip, among other non-limitingexamples, to optimize insertion of the waveguide into wood.

Additional examples of the present disclosure extend to generation andimplementation of an exemplary interfacing component that is utilized tosecure a device (e.g., an ultrasonic transducer) to the waveguidethereby creating a hands-free configuration for NDE of wooden specimen.In non-limiting examples, interfacing component may comprise but is notlimited to components such as: a base portion formulated out of a solidand rigid material; a holding slot, fabricated within the base portion,configured to enable the interfacing component to attach to thewaveguide, and an aperture at an end portion of the base portion that isconfigured to enable the transducer horn to contact the contact wellwhen the interfacing component is attached to the waveguide. Inalternative examples, an end portion of the base portion may comprise,instead of an aperture, a clamping component to secure devices to thewaveguide, for example, in instances where a device such as anultrasonic transducer is unthreaded. In some instances, a base portionmay be minimized if the contact well is tapped and deep enough to allowa transducer horn (e.g., threaded transducer horn) to be secured to thewaveguide and in contact with the contact well (e.g., through clock-wiseor counter clock-wise rotation).

In further non-limiting examples, the present disclosure describesgeneration and implement of an extraction component that is configuredfor safe removal of the waveguide from the wooden specimen to mitigatedamage to the waveguide upon extraction. In non-limiting examples, theextraction component may comprise but is not limited to components suchas: a base portion formulated out of a solid and rigid material; achannel fabricated in the base portion that is usable to attach theextraction component to the waveguide; and one or more extraction slots,fabricated on one or more end portions of the base portion, to enableone or more tools to be inserted into the one or more extraction slotsfor controlled removal of the waveguide from the wooden specimen. Insome alternative examples, the extraction component may not be requiredto extract an exemplary waveguide.

Moreover, non-limiting examples described herein extend to methods ofmanufacture of NDE components such as waveguides, coupling interfacecomponents and extractions components, among other examples. Forinstance, a method of manufacture of an exemplary waveguide may compriseselection of one or more metallic components; testing resonancefrequencies of selected metallic components (e.g., metals, alloys, acombination thereof) and fabricating an exemplary waveguide. Thewaveguide is fabricated to generate a resonance frequency that matches aresonance frequency of an ultrasonic wave for non-destructive evaluation(NDE) of a wooden specimen being tested such as a wooden utility pole.Also, an exemplary waveguide may be fabricated out of a material thatmatches a transducer horn to reduce impedance mismatch. The method ofmanufacture may comprise fabricating the mating portion of the waveguideas well as fabricating the body portion of the waveguide. In furtherexamples, the coupling interface component and the extraction componentare also fabricated though separately from the waveguide. Once anexemplary waveguide is fabricated, the waveguide, among other fabricatedcomponents, may be tested to ensure the waveguide is properlyconstructed and operating at the optimal resonance frequency for NDE ofwooden specimen.

Further non-limiting examples, reference interfacing between anexemplary waveguide an NDE device that is utilized for NDE of woodenspecimen. An exemplary NDE device may comprise: a transducer assemblythat comprises an ultrasonic transducer; an electronic processingassembly that comprises a printed circuit assembly and a processingunit; and a casing assembly, that houses the transducer assembly and theelectronic processing assembly. The casing assembly is configured, at anend portion, to attach to the waveguide, via a mating portion of thewaveguide, for NDE of a wooden specimen such as a wooden cylinder or awooden utility pole. The NDE device may be configured to receive, fromthe ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic signal data and transmit, to acomputing device, the ultrasonic signal data via a data transmissioncomponent of its processing unit. In additional examples describedherein, multiple NDE devices may be attached to a wooden specimen, viamultiple waveguides, to enable more comprehensive testing of structuralintegrity of a wooden specimen. For example, a first NDE device may beconfigured as a transmitting device, for transmitting of ultrasonicsignal data, and a second NDE device may be configured as a receivingdevice to receive transmitted ultrasonic signal data. Data from bothdevices may be propagated to a computing device that may be configuredto analyze the ultrasonic signal data. In further examples, an NDEapplication/service may be utilized to control NDE of a wooden specimen.For instance, control commands may be transmitted to check a connectionbetween an NDE device and a waveguide or manage scientific parameters(e.g., voltage) propagated through an exemplary waveguide, among otherexamples.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view 100 providing non-limiting examplesof a waveguide, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed. The examples shown in exploded view 100 provide non-limitingexamples of one embodiment of a waveguide. However, it is to beunderstood that other embodiments of an exemplary waveguide, provided inother portions of the present disclosure, may be preferred for NDE ofwooden specimen. In any example of a waveguide, and components describedthereof, may be fabricated out of one or more metallic components.Non-limiting examples of metallic components comprise but are notlimited to: metals (e.g., steel, brass, aluminum); alloys or acombination thereof. An exemplary metal used to manufacture a waveguidemay match the metal type of an ultrasonic device (e.g., that of atransducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer) to optimize signaltransmission therethrough. The waveguide may be fabricated from singlepiece of metal or a plurality of different pieces of metal that areforged together (e.g., soldered). An exemplary waveguide is fabricatedto resonate at a predetermined frequency that is optimized fornon-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen such as a woodenutility pole. As a non-limiting example, an exemplary waveguide isfabricated so the resonance frequency of said waveguide resonates at 50kHz. However, it is to be understood that the waveguide can befabricated to resonate at any desired frequency (or range offrequencies) without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure.

The waveguide shown in side view 100 comprises three main segments: amating portion 102; a body portion 104 and an end portion 106. Themating portion 102 is configured for interfacing with a device thatproduces ultrasonic waves. Non-limiting examples of such devicescomprise an ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic sensor etc., where atransducer horn 110 of an ultrasonic device interfaces with the matingportion 102 thereby enabling the waveguide to transmit and receiveultrasonic waves. The mating portion 102 comprises three sub-segments:an amplifying cone 108; an impact surface 112; and a contact well 114.The impact surface 112 is shaped and fabricated to receive an impact fordriving the waveguide into wood (e.g., a wooden structure such as awooden utility pole). The impact surface 112 may be a flat uniformsurface that is fabricated in any shape to maximize contact between atool (e.g., hammer) or device (pneumatic system) in order to drive thewaveguide into a wood specimen. For instance, in the example shown inside view 100, the impact surface 112 is a square shape. In analternative example shown in FIG. 4, an impact surface is fabricated ina circular shape.

The contact well 114 is utilized to connect the waveguide to atransducer horn 110 of an ultrasonic transducer or other type of devicethat used to generate acoustic waves for NDE of a wooden specimen. Thetransducer horn 110 is placed in direct contact with the contact well114. In some examples, the contact well 114 is fabricated so that thetransducer horn 110 is secured in the contact well 114. For example, thetransducer horn 110 may be secured to the contact well 114 via ahandheld connection or via a component connection such as a couplinginterface component described herein. In one example, one or more sidewalls of the contact well 114 are tapped to enable a threaded connectionwith the transducer horn 110. In another example, the contact well 114is secured to the transducer horn 110 via magnetic connection, where oneor more of the transducer horn 110 and the contact well 114 may bemagnetized to secure a connection.

During fabrication, the contact well 114 is cut into the impact surface112 so that the contact well is protected and not compromised by theimpact of driving the waveguide into the wood. For example, the contactwell 114 is engraved within the impact surface 112 to protect a surfaceof the contact well 114 from resulting impact to the impact surface 112.That is, the contact well 114 is fabricated within a portion of theimpact surface 112 (e.g., center or middle portion) so that the contactwell is not contacted during an impact that drives the waveguide intowood. In such a configuration, the impact surface 112 may be elevated ascompared with the contact well 114, so that the impact surface 112receives a resulting impact when the waveguide is driven into wood.

Furthermore, the mating portion 102 may comprise an amplifying cone 108.The amplifying cone 108 is designed to focus ultrasonic energy from thecontact well 114 to the body portion 104 of the waveguide. Whenultrasonic waves are transmitted from the transducer horn 110, theamplifying cone 108 enhances propagation by channeling the ultrasonicenergy directly to the body portion 104. In some examples of thewaveguide, an amplifying cone 108 may be omitted from the design.

The body portion 104 comprises a portion of the waveguide that connectsto both the mating portion 102 and the wooden specimen, for example,where a portion of the body portion 104 may be embedded with the woodenspecimen by impact, rotational, force, etc. The body portion 104 isoptimized for NDE, for example, transmission of ultrasonic wave datathrough the wood and receipt of ultrasonic wave data from the wood. Forexample, the body portion 104 comprises a linear or cylindrical portionand an end portion 106. The end portion 106 is embedded into the woodenspecimen due to impact to the impact surface 112 of the mating portion102. In the example, shown, the end portion 106 comprises a linear tip.A linear tip of the end portion 106 may increase a contact area of aportion of the waveguide that is embedded into the wooden specimen. Forinstance, a linear tip may radiate more ultrasonic energy than a sharppoint tip of an ordinary nail. In alternative examples, the end portion106 may comprise a cone-shaped tip that is engineered for ultrasonicenergy transmission.

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view 200 providing non-limiting examples ofa waveguide, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed. The examples shown in section view 200 provides non-limitingexamples of a waveguide. However, it is to be understood that otherembodiments of an exemplary waveguide, provided in other portions of thepresent disclosure, may be preferred for NDE of wooden specimen. Sectionview 200 highlights a cylindrical body portion (e.g., body portion 104of FIG. 1) of an exemplary waveguide. In section view 200, a bodyportion of a waveguide is a segmented cylindrical body formed by one ormore symmetrical secant cuts 202. The curved surfaces in section view200 are denoted as contacting surfaces 204, which contact a portion of awooden specimen that the waveguide is embedded in. The flat surfacesresulted from the secant cuts 202 are denoted as the non-contactingsurfaces 206. Since the body portion of the waveguide shown in sectionview 200 is a segmented cylinder, only the contacting surface 204 isrested against the boundary between the waveguide and a wooden specimen.The non-contacting surface 206 on the other hand creates a gap betweenthe waveguide and the wooden specimen to prevent any transfer of energyinto the wooden specimen, which results in the Rayleigh wave mode. Thesegmented cylindrical body of the waveguide is enlarged into a circularbase. As it extrudes outward in the direction along the body portion,the draft angle for the contacting surfaces 204 (shown in AA-AA) isgreater than the draft angle for the non-contacting surfaces 206 (shownin BB-BB). The resulted circular prism forms the end portion with alinear sharp tip (or alternatively a cone-shaped tip).

FIG. 3 illustrates a procedural diagram 300 for insertion of a waveguideinto a wooden specimen, with which aspects of the present disclosure maybe practiced. Procedural diagram 300 illustrates two exemplarywaveguides 302 a and 302 b being inserted into a wooden specimen 304(e.g., wooden cylinder, wooden utility pole). To achieve non-limitingexamples of desired results, first and second modes of operation aredescribed, where exemplary modes of operation reference interactionbetween waveguides, 302 a and 302 b, a wooden specimen 306 and mountedtransducers 310, where Rayleigh wave excitation can be controlled duringNDE of a wooden specimen 306 using said waveguides 302 a and 302 b.

A first mode of operation is described in the following steps. First, atransmitting waveguide 302 a and a receiving waveguide 302 b areoriented with respective end points of the body portions pointingtowards the center of the wooden specimen 306. Next, each waveguide isrotated about its center axis until the non-contacting surface isperpendicular to the tangential direction of the wooden specimen 306,and the contacting surface is perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the wooden specimen 306. Furthermore, a tool 308 (e.g.,hammer or pneumatic device) is used to insert the waveguides into awooden specimen 306 in opposite direction by gently striking an impactsurface of each respective waveguide, 302 a and 302 b. The plane formedby the two insertion points is denoted as the examination plane 306.Moreover, ultrasonic transducers 310 are mounted to the respectivewaveguides by placing each transducer aperture in contact with arespective contact well of each waveguide 302 a and 302 b. Using thedescribed approach, the excited Rayleigh wave only occurs at thecontacting surfaces and propagates outward along the longitudinaldirection without interfering with the wave propagating in the radialdirection across the wooden structure 306.

When Rayleigh wave excitation is desirable in the tangential direction,a second mode of operation can be used. First, a transmitting waveguide302 a and a receiving waveguide 302 b are oriented with respective endpoints of the body portions pointing towards the center of the woodenspecimen 306. Next, each waveguide is rotated about its center axisuntil the contacting surface is perpendicular to the tangentialdirection of the wooden specimen 306, and the non-contacting surface isperpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a tool 308 isused to insert the waveguides into a wooden specimen 306 in oppositedirection by gently striking an impact surface of each respectivewaveguide, 302 a and 302 b. Moreover, ultrasonic transducers 310 aremounted to the respective waveguides by placing each transducer aperturein contact with a respective contact well of each waveguide 302 a and302 b. The second mode configuration rotates the waveguide by 90degrees, permitting the excitation of Rayleigh wave mode in thetangential direction. Meanwhile, the orientation of the linear tipreduces radial wave propagation on the examination plane 306.

FIG. 4 illustrates side views 400 providing non-limiting examples of awaveguide, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed. As described in the foregoing description, an exemplarywaveguide is tuned to a resonance frequency for non-destructiveevaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen such as a wooden utility pole.Waveguide, shown in side views 400, comprises a mating portion 408 forinterfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer or othersimilar device.

The mating portion 408 comprises an impact surface 410 and a contactwell 412, description of which has been provided in the foregoingdescription of the present disclosure. As previously indicated, thecontact well 412 is fabricated within the impact surface 410 so that thecontact well is not contacted during an impact that drives the waveguideinto wood. The contact well 412 is utilized to connect the waveguide toa transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer or other type of devicethat used to generate acoustic waves for NDE of a wooden specimen.Through fabrication, the contact well 412 is cut into the impact surface410 so that the contact well 412 is protected and not compromised by theimpact of driving the waveguide into a wooden specimen. Side views 400provide an illustration that emphasizes a fabricated contact well 412and its position and elevation relative to the impact surface 410. Inthe example shown in side views 400, the contact well 412 is circular inshape to securely attach to a transducer horn of an ultrasonictransducer. However, it is to be recognized that the contact well 412may be fabricated in any shape to fit any type of device that isinterfacing with the waveguide without departing from the spirit of thepresent disclosure.

The waveguide further comprises a body portion, which is collectivelyrepresented by labeling 402-406. As shown in side views 400, the bodyportion extends from the mating portion 408 to formulate a single NDEcomponent. The body portion comprises a radiating component optimizedfor NDE of wooden specimen, namely transmission/receipt of acousticsignal data. The radiating component comprises an upper body portion406, that is drivable into a wooden specimen, and a lower body portion402 that is attached to and extends outwardly from the upper bodyportion and is attached to the mating portion 408. This configurationoptimizes propagation of ultrasonic waves through the contact well 412into the wooden specimen via the radiating component. In somenon-limiting examples, a diameter of the upper body portion 406 of theradiating component is smaller than a diameter of the lower body portion402. This configuration minimizes the intrusion of the waveguide intothe wooden specimen, as well as creates a visual depth indicator 404, atan intersection between the upper body portion 406 and the lower bodyportion 402, for driving the radiating component into the woodenspecimen. This helps inspectors drive the waveguide into the woodenspecimen only as much as necessary to optimize propagation of ultrasonicsignal data through the wooden specimen while minimizing impact tostructural integrity of the wooden specimen. In another example, thelower body portion 402 is thicker than the upper body portion 406, wherea diameter of the lower body portion 402 tapers off from a thickestpoint (nearest to the mating portion 408) to a thinnest point (nearestan end point of the upper body portion 406). In further examples, theupper body portion 406 and the lower body portion 402 are cylindrical inshape. Through, it is to be recognized that any type of shape thatformulates a uniform cross-section into the wooden structure can befabricated without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, an end portion of the upper body portion 406, furthest fromthe mating portion 408, may comprise a cone-shaped tip or a linear tip,among other non-limiting examples, to optimize insertion of thewaveguide into wood. The end portion of the upper body portion 406 iswhat is driven into a wooden specimen, where an inspector may contactthe impact surface 412 until the upper body portion 406 is driven intothe wooden specimen up to a point of the visual depth indicator 404. Insome examples, an inspector may utilize tools such as hammers, mallets,pneumatic devices or the like to apply force to the impact surface 412to drive the waveguide into the wooden specimen. It is to be understoodthat an exemplary waveguide can be modified in length and/or size tooptimize ultrasonic transmission at any desired resonance frequency. Forinstance, waveguides can be pre-fabricated at different lengths and/orsizes for evaluating different types of wooden specimen. In somealternative examples (not shown), one or more of the body portions maybe adjustable during usage. In one example, a lower body portion 402 ofthe waveguide is extensible, adjusting to a desired size. This may beuseful in situations where inspectors desire to utilize the samewaveguide to test wooden specimen of vastly different lengths/widths.

In alternative examples (not shown), a pneumatic system or device may beutilized to apply pressure (e.g., air pressure) to the impact surface412 to drive the waveguide into the wooden specimen. In some alternativeexamples where a pneumatic device may be determined to be ideal forsecuring a waveguide into a wooden specimen, it is to be understood thatthe impact surface 412 of the waveguide may be altered to comprise apneumatic interface component that fosters a connection with a pneumaticdevice to connect with the impact surface to provide the pressure fordriving the waveguide into the wood. In one example, the waveguide maybe threaded (e.g., formulated as a self-tapping screw to aid insertionof the waveguide into the wooden specimen via pneumatic device).Engineering design that may be utilized to fabricate the impact surfacefor interfacing with a pneumatic system are known to one skilled in thefield of art.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view 500 providing non-limiting examples of anexemplary interfacing component, with which aspects of the presentdisclosure may be practiced. As described in the foregoing description,an exemplary interfacing component is utilized to secure a device (e.g.,an ultrasonic transducer) to the waveguide thereby creating a hands-freeconfiguration for NDE of wooden specimen. In non-limiting examples,interfacing component may comprise but is not limited to components suchas: a base portion (illustrated as the entirety of the interfacingcomponent in side view 500); a holding slot 502, fabricated within thebase portion, and an aperture 504 at an end portion of the base portion.In alternative examples, an end portion of the base portion maycomprise, instead of an aperture 504, a clamping component to securedevices to the waveguide, for example, in instances where a device suchas an ultrasonic transducer is unthreaded. An exemplary base portion ofthe interfacing component may be formulated out of any solid and rigidmaterial. Non-limiting examples of such materials comprise but are notlimited to: plastics, metals, alloys, polycarbonates, ceramics andglass, among other examples. The holding slot 502 is configured toenable the interfacing component to attach to the waveguide. The holdingslot 502 is usable to secure the interfacing component directly to thewaveguide (e.g., the interfacing component is mounted on the waveguide).For instance, the holding slot 504 is fabricated as a vertical gapwithin a top portion of the base portion that enables the interfacingcomponent to be slid onto the waveguide or interface with the waveguidevia the holding slot 504. The holding slot 502 is configured to fit thedimensions of the waveguide. The aperture 504 is positioned at an endportion of the base portion (e.g., on a specific side of the baseportion) to enable an ultrasonic device to connect to one side of theinterfacing component, where the opposite side houses the waveguide(e.g., in the holding slot 504). The aperture 504, or alternatively aclamping component, is configured to enable the transducer horn of anultrasonic transducer to contact the contact well of the waveguide whenthe interfacing component is attached to the waveguide and theultrasonic transducer.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view 600 providing non-limiting examples of anexemplary extraction component, with which aspects of the presentdisclosure may be practiced. As described in the foregoing, an exemplaryextraction component is configured for safe removal of the waveguidefrom the wooden structure to mitigate damage to the waveguide uponextraction. In non-limiting examples, the extraction component maycomprise but is not limited to components such as: a base portion(illustrated as the entirety of the extraction component in side view600); a channel 602 fabricated in the base portion; and one or moreextraction slots 604, fabricated on one or more end portions of the baseportion. An exemplary base portion of the extraction component may beformulated out of any solid and rigid material. Non-limiting examples ofsuch materials comprise but are not limited to: plastics, metals,alloys, polycarbonates, ceramics and glass, among other examples. Thechannel 602 is usable to secure the extraction component directly to thewaveguide (e.g., the extraction component is mounted on the waveguide).The channel 602 is configured to fit the dimensions of the waveguide.The one or more extraction slots 604 are usable to enable one or moretools to be inserted into the one or more extraction slots 604 forcontrolled removal of the waveguide from the wooden structure. Forexample, a tool such as a screwdriver or the like may be inserted intothe one or more extraction slots 604, where pressure may be applied tothe one or more extraction slots 604 via the tool in a manner where thewaveguide is properly stabilized and secured through the channel 602.This configuration minimizes damage to the waveguide that may typicallyoccur during extraction by hand or via a prying tool or the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view 700 providing a non-limiting example ofinsertion of a waveguide into a wooden specimen, with which aspects ofthe present disclosure may be practiced. Exemplary waveguides 706 may bedriven into a wooden specimen 702 (e.g., a wooden cylinder or woodenutility pole) via a tool 704 (e.g., a hammer). Side view 700 illustratesexemplary waveguide as shown in FIG. 4, where the waveguides arefabricated to comprise a visual depth indicator (e.g., visual depthindicator 404). The end portion of the upper body portion 406 of thewaveguide is what is driven into the wooden specimen 702, where aninspector may contact the impact surface 412 until the upper bodyportion 406 is driven into the wooden specimen 702 up to a point of thevisual depth indicator 404.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view 800 illustrating a non-limiting exampleof an interaction between a waveguide and a coupling interfacecomponent, with which aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed. An exemplary coupling interface component 802 may be aninterface component as described in the foregoing description, where thecoupling interface component 802 may be mounted on a waveguide that isembedded in wooden specimen. As described in the foregoing description,including the description of FIG. 5,

A holding slot of the coupling interface component 802 (e.g., holdingslot 502 as described in FIG. 5) is configured to enable the couplinginterface component 802 to attach to the waveguide. The holding slot isusable to secure the coupling interface component 802 directly to thewaveguide (e.g., the interfacing component is mounted on the waveguide).For instance, as described in the foregoing, the holding slot is avertical gap within a top portion of the base portion that enables thecoupling interface component 802 to be slid onto the waveguide orinterface with the waveguide via the holding slot. The holding slot isconfigured to allow an impact surface of the waveguide to be completelyplaced in the holding slot. Furthermore, the coupling interfacecomponent 802 may comprise a connection means to secure an ultrasonicdevice to the waveguide via the mounted coupling interface component802. A transducer aperture or transducer horn may be positioned at anend portion of the base portion (e.g., on a specific side of the baseportion) to enable an ultrasonic device to connect to one side of thecoupling interface component 802 where the opposite side houses thewaveguide (e.g., in the holding slot). The aperture, or alternatively aclamping component, is configured to enable the tip of the transducerhorn of an ultrasonic transducer to contact the contact well of thewaveguide when the coupling interface component 802 is attached to thewaveguide and the ultrasonic transducer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view 900 illustrating a non-limiting exampleof an interaction between a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) device, acoupling interface component and a waveguide, with which aspects of thepresent disclosure may be practiced. Some previous examples describeconnection of an ultrasonic device directly to a waveguide. In furtherexamples, an NDE device may be tailored for the specific purpose ofultrasonic testing of a wooden specimen via NDE. Side view 900illustrates an exemplary NDE device 902 being mounted to an insertedwaveguide, which is inserted into a wooden specimen via an interfacecomponent/coupling interface component.

An exemplary NDE device 902 may comprise: a transducer assembly thatcomprises an ultrasonic transducer; an electronic processing assemblythat comprises a printed circuit assembly and a processing unit; and acasing assembly, that houses the transducer assembly and the electronicprocessing assembly. The casing assembly is configured, at an endportion, to attach to the waveguide, via a mating portion of thewaveguide, for NDE of a wooden specimen such as a wooden cylinder or awooden utility pole. The NDE device 902 may be configured to receive,from the ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic signal data and transmit, toa computing device, the ultrasonic signal data via a data transmissioncomponent of its processing unit. In additional examples describedherein, multiple NDE devices 902 may be attached to a wooden specimen,via multiple waveguides, to enable more comprehensive testing ofstructural integrity of a wooden specimen. Side view 900 illustrates anexample where NDE devices 902 are inserted on opposing sides of a woodenspecimen. For example, a first NDE device may be configured as atransmitting device, for transmitting of ultrasonic signal data, and asecond NDE device may be configured as a receiving device to receivetransmitted ultrasonic signal data. Data from both devices may bepropagated to a computing device that may be configured to analyze theultrasonic signal data.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view 1000 illustrating a non-limiting exampleof an interaction between a waveguide and an extraction component, withwhich aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. An exemplaryextraction component 1002 and interactions therewith have beenpreviously described in the foregoing description including thedescription of FIG. 6. Side view 1000 illustrates the process for usingone or more tools 1004 to engage the extraction component 1002 (ormultiple extraction components as shown in side view 1000) for saferemoval of waveguides from a wooden specimen. For example, the one ormore tools 1004 may be inserted into one or more extraction slots(circled in side view 1000) of an extraction component 1002. Whenpressure is applied via the one or more tools 1004, the extractioncomponent 1002 secures the waveguide while pressure is applied thereto,and the waveguide is extracted from the wooden specimen. As referencedin the foregoing description, an extraction component may not benecessary to remove an exemplary waveguide from a wooden specimen as thewaveguide can be carefully removed by hand.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary method 1100 of manufacturing awaveguide and other associated components such as an interfacingcomponent and an extraction component, with which aspects of the presentdisclosure may be practiced. Method 1100 begins at processing operation1102, where one or more metallic components are selected for fabricationof an exemplary waveguide. Examples of metallic components have beenprovided in the foregoing description. In some examples, an exemplarymetal used to manufacture a waveguide may match the metal type of anultrasonic device (e.g., that of a transducer horn of an ultrasonictransducer) to optimize signal transmission therethrough. The goal oftesting (processing operation 1102) is to identify materials that canachieve a desires resonance frequency for optimizing ultrasonic wavesfor NDE of a wooden specimen. The waveguide is fabricated to generate aresonance frequency that matches a resonance frequency of an ultrasonicwave for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen beingtested such as a wooden utility pole. Also, an exemplary waveguide maybe fabricated out of a material that matches a transducer horn to reduceimpedance mismatch, which may comprise a material that matches that of atransducer horn.

Flow of method 1100 may proceed to processing operation 1104, whereresonance frequency of the selected metallic component(s) may be tested.In some instances, processing operation 1104 may comprise aggregatingdata on specific types of metals and/or specific types of woods withrespect to resonance frequencies. This type of data may optimizeselection of a material for an exemplary waveguide. For example, adatabase may be maintained correlating aggregated data with resonancefrequencies that can be referenced when a waveguide is to be fabricatedfor specific implementation (e.g., utility pole, construction site, sawmill) and/or a specific type of wood specimen (e.g., pine, oak, cedar).Testing (processing operation 1104) is an optional step that may notneed to be repeated in all manufacturing scenarios.

Once one or more metallic components are selected and tested, flow ofmethod 1100 may proceed to fabricating the waveguide. As referenced inthe foregoing description, an exemplary waveguide is fabricated at apredetermined resonance frequency that matches a resonance frequency ofan optimal ultrasonic wave for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of awooden specimen. The waveguide may be fabricated from single piece ofmetal or a plurality of different pieces of metal that are forgedtogether (e.g., soldered). As a non-limiting example, an exemplarywaveguide is fabricated so the resonance frequency of said waveguideresonates at 50 kHz. However, it is to be understood that the waveguidecan be fabricated to resonate at any desired frequency (or range offrequencies) without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Fabricating of the waveguide may comprise machining specificportions of the waveguide as described in the foregoing description.Processing for machining mechanical components of a waveguide is knownto one skilled in the field of art.

At processing operation 1106, a mating portion of the waveguide isfabricated. Examples of a mating portion have been described in theforegoing description. Processing operation 1106 may comprisefabricating, out of metal, components that may comprise but are notlimited to: an impact surface, a contact well and an amplifying cone,among other examples.

Processing of method 1100 may proceed to processing operation 1108,where a body portion of the waveguide is fabricated. Processingoperation 1108 may comprise fabricating, out of metal, components thatmay comprise but are not limited to: a radiating component thatcomprises an upper body portion, that is drivable into the woodenspecimen, and a lower body portion that is attached to and extendsoutwardly from the upper body portion and is attached to the matingportion; and an end portion (e.g., that comprises a linear tip or acone-shaped tip), among other examples.

In some alternative examples of method 1100, additional components mayalso be manufactured including but not limited to: an interfacingcomponent (e.g., coupling interface component) and an extractioncomponent. In examples where an interfacing component is to bemanufactured, flow of method 1100 proceeds to processing operation 1110,where the interfacing component is fabricated. Processing operation 1110may comprise fabricating components that may comprise but are notlimited to: a base portion; a holding slot, fabricated within the baseportion, and an aperture at an end portion of the base portion. Inalternative examples, an end portion of the base portion may comprise,instead of an aperture, a clamping component to secure devices to thewaveguide, for example, in instances where a device such as anultrasonic transducer is unthreaded. An exemplary base portion of theinterfacing component may be formulated out of any solid and rigidmaterial. Non-limiting examples of such materials comprise but are notlimited to: plastics, metals, alloys, polycarbonates, ceramics andglass, among other examples. Fabricating of an exemplary interfacingcomponent may comprise machining specific portions of the interfacingcomponent as described in the foregoing description. Processing formachining mechanical components of the interfacing component is known toone skilled in the field of art. In at least one example, theinterfacing component is generated using a 3D printer.

In examples where an extraction component is to be manufactured, flow ofmethod 1100 proceeds to processing operation 1112, where the extractioncomponent is fabricated. Processing operation 1112 may comprisefabricating components that may comprise but are not limited to: a baseportion; a channel fabricated in the base portion; and one or moreextraction slots 604, fabricated on one or more end portions of the baseportion. An exemplary base portion of the interfacing component may beformulated out of any solid and rigid material. Non-limiting examples ofsuch materials comprise but are not limited to: plastics, metals,alloys, polycarbonates, ceramics and glass, among other examples.Fabricating of an exemplary extraction component may comprise machiningspecific portions of the extraction component as described in theforegoing description. Processing for machining the extraction componentis known to one skilled in the field of art. In at least one example,the extraction component is generated using a 3D printer.

Once an exemplary waveguide is fabricated and/or other associatedcomponents are fabricated, flow of method 1100 may proceed to processingoperation 1114. At processing operation 1114, the waveguide, among otherfabricated components, may be tested to ensure the waveguide is properlyconstructed and operating at the optical resonance frequency for NDE ofwooden structures. For instance, processing operation 1114 compriseschecking a resonance frequency of a fabricated waveguide. Processing forevaluating a resonance frequency of a metal object is known to oneskilled in the field of art. In one example, the waveguide may be testedin the field using one or more NDE devices and computing devices. Inexamples where an interfacing component and/or an extraction componentare fabricated, quality checks may also be performed on said components.Processing operation 1114 may further comprise modifying scientificparameters (e.g., voltage) to test operation of the waveguide underdifferent environmental conditions.

FIG. 12 illustrates a computing system 1201 suitable for implementingprocessing operations described herein related to a computing device forNDE of a wooden specimen, with which aspects of the present disclosuremay be practiced. For example, computing system 1201 may be configuredto execute an NDE application/service that is configured to control NDEof a wooden specimen in which an exemplary waveguide and othercomponents may be attached. The NDE application/service may beconfigured to execute processing operations that may manage a waveguidecomponent including but not limited to processing operations for:testing a connection between an NDE device and a waveguide; testing aresonance frequency of a waveguide; tuning/re-tuning a waveguide for aspecific environment; and controlling transmission of ultrasonic signaldata through the waveguide, among other examples. Computing system 1201may be implemented as a single apparatus, system, or device or may beimplemented in a distributed manner as multiple apparatuses, systems, ordevices. For example, computing system 1201 may comprise one or morecomputing devices that execute processing for applications and/orservices over a distributed network to enable execution of processingoperations described herein over one or more services. Computing system1201 comprises, but is not limited to, processing system 1202, storagesystem 1203, software 1205, communication interface system 1207, anduser interface system 1209. Processing system 1202 is operativelycoupled with storage system 1203, communication interface system 1207,and user interface system 1209. Non-limiting examples of computer system1201 comprise but are not limited to: smart phones, laptops, tablets,PDAs, desktop computers, servers, smart computing devices includingtelevision devices and wearable computing devices, e-reader devices, andconferencing systems, among other non-limiting examples. Other types ofprocessing devices may be utilized as computer system 1201 withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Processing system 1202 loads and executes software 1205 from storagesystem 1203. Software 1205 includes one or more software components 1206that execute an NDE application/service for utility pole testing. Insome examples, computing system 1201 may be a device that a userutilizes to interface a waveguide and/or NDE device via the NDEapplication/service for wooden specimen testing 1206. For example,computing device 1201, through execution of the NDE application/servicefor wooden specimen testing 1206, interfaces with a waveguide (via anNDE device) to make sure the waveguide is configured properly for NDE ofa wooden specimen such as a wooden structure, as described in theforegoing description. The computing device 1201 may interface with anNDE device, that is connected to a waveguide, via wired connection orwireless connection including any of data transmission protocolsdescribed herein as well as other known methods of data transmission asknown to one skilled in the field of art. When executed by processingsystem 1202, software 1205 directs processing system 1202 to operate asdescribed herein for at least the various processes, operationalscenarios, and sequences discussed in the foregoing implementations.Computing system 1201 may optionally include additional devices,features, or functionality not discussed for purposes of brevity.

Computing system 1201 may further be utilized to execute controloperation of NDE devices and waveguides, for example, where NDE devices,that are attached to a utility pole via a waveguide, may be configurableto change between described modes of operation either by directcommands, transmitted from computing system 1201 or via a conclusion ofprogrammed activity (e.g., an NDE enters a standby mode when programmedprocessing is completed and/or NDE device disconnected/removed).Examples of modes of operation of an NDE comprise but are not limitedto: a standby mode; a transmitting mode; a receiving mode; and a hybridtransmitting/receiving mode, among other examples. In instances where acomputing system 1201 is transmitting commands to set an NDE device inone of the above-identified modes, commands may be transmitted to aprocessing unit of an NDE device that is configured to receive suchcommands via a data transmission component of the NDE device. As such, acomputing device 1201 may be configured to implement a data transmissioncomponent that works with a same data transmission protocol that an NDEis configured to receive data through.

Referring still to FIG. 12, processing system 1202 may compriseprocessor, a micro-processor and other circuitry that retrieves andexecutes software 1205 from storage system 1203. Processing system 1202may be implemented within a single processing device but may also bedistributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems thatcooperate in executing program instructions. Examples of processingsystem 1202 include general purpose central processing units,microprocessors, graphical processing units, application specificprocessors, sound cards, speakers and logic devices, as well as anyother type of processing devices, combinations, or variations thereof.

Storage system 1203 may comprise any computer readable storage mediareadable by processing system 1202 and capable of storing software 1205.Storage system 1203 may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, cache memory or other data. Examples of storage mediainclude random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, opticaldisks, flash memory, virtual memory and non-virtual memory, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or other suitable storage media, except for propagatedsignals. In no case is the computer readable storage media a propagatedsignal.

In addition to computer readable storage media, in some implementationsstorage system 1203 may also include computer readable communicationmedia over which at least some of software 1205 may be communicatedinternally or externally. Storage system 1203 may be implemented as asingle storage device but may also be implemented across multiplestorage devices or sub-systems co-located or distributed relative toeach other. Storage system 1203 may comprise additional elements, suchas a controller, capable of communicating with processing system 1202 orpossibly other systems. In some examples, storage system 1203 is adistributed network storage/web storage, where computing device 1201 isconfigured to connect to the distributed network storage/web storage viaa network connection.

Software 1205 may be implemented in program instructions and among otherfunctions may, when executed by processing system 1202, directprocessing system 1202 to operate as described with respect to thevarious operational scenarios, sequences, and processes illustratedherein. For example, software 1205 may include program instructions foran NDE application/service for wooden structure testing 1206, asdescribed in the foregoing description.

In particular, the program instructions may include various componentsor modules that cooperate or otherwise interact to carry out the variousprocesses and operational scenarios described herein. The variouscomponents or modules may be embodied in compiled or interpretedinstructions, or in some other variation or combination of instructions.The various components or modules may be executed in a synchronous orasynchronous manner, serially or in parallel, in a single threadedenvironment or multi-threaded, or in accordance with any other suitableexecution paradigm, variation, or combination thereof. Software 1205 mayinclude additional processes, programs, or components, such as operatingsystem software, virtual machine software, or other applicationsoftware. Software 1205 may also comprise firmware or some other form ofmachine-readable processing instructions executable by processing system1202.

In general, software 1205 may, when loaded into processing system 1202and executed, transform a suitable apparatus, system, or device (ofwhich computing system 1201 is representative) overall from ageneral-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computing systemcustomized to process data and respond to queries. Indeed, encodingsoftware 1205 on storage system 1203 may transform the physicalstructure of storage system 1203. The specific transformation of thephysical structure may depend on various factors in differentimplementations of this description. Examples of such factors mayinclude, but are not limited to, the technology used to implement thestorage media of storage system 1203 and whether the computer-storagemedia are characterized as primary or secondary storage, as well asother factors.

For example, if the computer readable storage media are implemented assemiconductor-based memory, software 1205 may transform the physicalstate of the semiconductor memory when the program instructions areencoded therein, such as by transforming the state of transistors,capacitors, or other discrete circuit elements constituting thesemiconductor memory. A similar transformation may occur with respect tomagnetic or optical media. Other transformations of physical media arepossible without departing from the scope of the present description,with the foregoing examples provided only to facilitate the presentdiscussion.

Communication interface system 1207 may include communicationconnections and devices that allow for communication with othercomputing systems (not shown) over communication networks (not shown).Communication interface system 1207 may also be utilized to coverinterfacing between processing components described herein. Examples ofconnections and devices that together allow for inter-systemcommunication may include network interface cards or devices, wiredand/or wireless modules, antennas, power amplifiers, RF circuitry,transceivers, and other communication circuitry. The connections anddevices may communicate over communication media to exchangecommunications with other computing systems or networks of systems, suchas metal, glass, air, or any other suitable communication media. Theaforementioned media, connections, and devices are well known and neednot be discussed at length here.

User interface system 1209 is optional and may include a keyboard, amouse, a voice input device, a touch input device for receiving a touchgesture from a user, a motion input device for detecting non-touchgestures and other motions by a user, and other comparable input devicesand associated processing elements capable of receiving user input froma user. Output devices such as a display, speakers, haptic devices, andother types of output devices may also be included in user interfacesystem 1209. In some cases, the input and output devices may be combinedin a single device, such as a display capable of displaying images andreceiving touch gestures. The aforementioned user input and outputdevices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at lengthhere.

User interface system 1209 may also include associated user interfacesoftware executable by processing system 1202 in support of the varioususer input and output devices discussed above. Separately or inconjunction with each other and other hardware and software elements,the user interface software and user interface devices may support agraphical user interface, a natural user interface, or any other type ofuser interface, for example, that enables front-end processing ofexemplary application/services described herein (including an NDEapplication/service for wooden specimen testing 1206). User interfacesystem 1209 comprises a graphical user interface that is configured toenable users to transmit/receive commands for a state of an NDE deviceand to toggle a state of an NDE device (e.g., change a mode of an NDEdevice for specific task related to wooden specimen testing).Additionally, the graphical user interface may be configured to displayuser interface elements related to the testing and operation of anexemplary waveguide. For example, a connection between a waveguide and atransducer horn, including contact therebetween, may be representedthrough the graphical user interface. In further examples, the graphicaluser interface may be configured to display user interface elementsrelated to a state of the waveguide as well as enable executions ofcommands and receipt of results for testing and/or tuning of exemplarywaveguides. A graphical user interface of user interface system 1209 mayfurther be configured to display graphical user interface elements(e.g., data fields, menus, graphs, charts, data correlationrepresentations and identifiers, etc.) that are representationsgenerated from processing ultrasonic signal data received from one ormore NDE devices. For example, processing of received ultrasonic signaldata, received from one or more NDE devices, may be utilized to provideexplicit statistical data regarding a condition of a wooden specimen aswell as classifications of a state of wooden specimen that reflectalgorithmic analysis of received ultrasonic signal data (e.g., that thewooden specimen is: tagged for replacement, flagged for re-testing atspecified future time period; in good condition). Such exampleinterpretations are non-limiting examples of the type of evaluation thatcan be made from received ultrasonic signal data and which may beprovided as graphical user interface elements in a graphical userinterface of an NDE application/service for wooden structure testing1206.

Communication between computing system 1201 and other computing systems(not shown), may occur over a communication network or networks and inaccordance with various communication protocols, combinations ofprotocols, or variations thereof. Examples include intranets, internets,the Internet, local area networks, wide area networks, wirelessnetworks, wired networks, virtual networks, software defined networks,data center buses, computing backplanes, or any other type of network,combination of network, or variation thereof. The aforementionedcommunication networks and protocols are well known and need not bediscussed at length here. However, some communication protocols that maybe used include, but are not limited to, the Internet protocol (IP,IPv4, IPv6, etc.), the transfer control protocol (TCP), and the userdatagram protocol (UDP), Bluetooth, infrared, RF, cellular networks,satellite networks, global positioning systems, as well as any othersuitable communication protocol, variation, or combination thereof.

In any of the aforementioned examples in which data, content, or anyother type of information is exchanged, the exchange of information mayoccur in accordance with any of a variety of protocols, including FTP(file transfer protocol), HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), REST(representational state transfer), WebSocket, DOM (Document ObjectModel), HTML (hypertext markup language), CSS (cascading style sheets),HTML5, XML (extensible markup language), JavaScript, JSON (JavaScriptObject Notation), and AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML), as well asany other suitable protocol, variation, or combination thereof.

The functional block diagrams, operational scenarios and sequences, andflow diagrams provided in the Figures are representative of exemplarysystems, environments, and methodologies for performing novel aspects ofthe disclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation,methods included herein may be in the form of a functional diagram,operational scenario or sequence, or flow diagram, and may be describedas a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that themethods are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, inaccordance therewith, occur in a different order and/or concurrentlywith other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, thoseskilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a method couldalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustratedin a methodology may be required for a novel implementation.

The descriptions and figures included herein depict specificimplementations to teach those skilled in the art how to make and usethe best option. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, someconventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate variations from these implementations that fallwithin the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that the features described above can be combined in variousways to form multiple implementations. As a result, the invention is notlimited to the specific implementations described above, but only by theclaims and their equivalents.

Reference has been made throughout this specification to “one example”or “an example,” meaning that a particular described feature, structure,or characteristic is included in at least one example. Thus, usage ofsuch phrases may refer to more than just one example. Furthermore, thedescribed features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more examples.

One skilled in the relevant art may recognize, however, that theexamples may be practiced without one or more of the specific details,or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances,well known structures, resources, or operations have not been shown ordescribed in detail merely to observe obscuring aspects of the examples.

While sample examples and applications have been illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood that the examples are not limited tothe precise configuration and resources described above. Variousmodifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in theart may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of themethods and systems disclosed herein without departing from the scope ofthe claimed examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. A waveguide for ultrasonic testing of wood,comprising: a mating portion configured for interfacing with atransducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the mating portioncomprises: an impact surface, fabricated out of a metal, that isconfigured to receive an impact for driving the waveguide into the wood,and a contact well, fabricated within the impact surface so that thecontact well is not contacted during the impact for driving thewaveguide into the wood, configured to connect with the transducer horn;and a body portion that is fabricated out of metal and extends from themating portion, wherein the body portion comprises a radiating componentthat comprises an upper body portion, that is drivable into the wood,and a lower body portion that is attached to and extends outwardly fromthe upper body portion and is attached to the mating portion.
 2. Thewaveguide of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is fabricated to generate apre-determined resonance frequency that is optimal for non-destructiveevaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen.
 3. The waveguide of claim 1,wherein a diameter of the upper body portion is smaller than a diameterof the lower body portion creating a visual depth indicator, at anintersection between the upper body portion and the lower body portion,for driving the radiating component into the wood.
 4. The waveguide ofclaim 1, wherein the upper body portion and the lower body portion arecylindrical in shape, and wherein an end portion of the upper bodyportion comprises a cone-shaped tip for insertion into the wood.
 5. Thewaveguide of claim 1, wherein the upper body portion and the lower bodyportion are cylindrical in shape, and wherein an end portion of theupper body portion comprises a linear-shaped tip for insertion into thewood.
 6. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein the contact well is cut intothe impact surface and is circular in shape.
 7. The waveguide of claim6, wherein one or more side walls of the contact well are tapped toenable a threaded connection with the transducer horn.
 8. The waveguideof claim 1, further comprising an interfacing component for securing theultrasonic transducer to the waveguide, wherein the interfacingcomponent comprises: a base portion; a holding slot, fabricated withinthe base portion, configured to enable the interfacing component toattach to the waveguide; and an aperture at an end portion of the baseportion that is configured to enable the transducer horn to contact thecontact well when the interfacing component is attached to thewaveguide.
 9. The waveguide of claim 1, further comprising aninterfacing component for securing the ultrasonic transducer to thewaveguide, wherein the interfacing component comprises: a base portion;a holding slot, fabricated within the base portion, configured to enablethe interfacing component to attach to the waveguide; and a clampingcomponent at an end portion of the base portion that is configured toenable the transducer horn to be secured to the interfacing componentand placed in contact with the contact well when the interfacingcomponent is attached to the waveguide.
 10. The waveguide of claim 1,wherein the mating portion further comprises an amplifying cone at anintersection between the interface well and the body portion, whereinthe amplifying cone is configured to focus ultrasonic energy from theinterface well to the body portion.
 11. The waveguide of claim 1,wherein the lower body portion of the radiating component is extendable.12. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein the impact surface is configuredwith a pneumatic interface component that enables a pneumatic device toconnect with the impact surface to provide the impact for driving thewaveguide into the wood.
 13. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein the bodyportion is fabricated to provide, along the upper body portion and thelower body portion, one or more contact surfaces and one or morenon-contact surfaces that aid transmission of an ultrasonic signalthrough the body portion.
 14. A system for assisting non-destructiveevaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen, comprising: a waveguide forultrasonic testing of the wooden specimen, wherein the waveguidecomprises: a mating portion configured for interfacing with a transducerhorn of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the mating portion comprises:an impact surface, fabricated out of metal, that is configured toreceive an impact for driving the waveguide into the wooden specimen,and a contact well, fabricated within the impact surface so that thecontact well is not contacted during the impact for driving thewaveguide into the wooden specimen, configured to connect with thetransducer horn, and a body portion that is fabricated out of metal andextends from the mating portion, wherein the body portion comprises aradiating component that comprises an upper body portion, that isdrivable into the wooden specimen, and a lower body portion that isattached to and extends outwardly from the upper body portion and isattached to the mating portion; and an interfacing component forsecuring the ultrasonic transducer to the waveguide, wherein theinterfacing component comprises: a base portion, a holding slot,fabricated within the base portion, configured to enable the interfacingcomponent to attach to the waveguide, and an aperture at an end portionof the base portion that is configured to enable the transducer horn tocontact the contact well when the interfacing component is attached tothe waveguide.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: anextraction component, configured for removing the waveguide from thewooden specimen, that comprises a base portion, a channel fabricated inthe base portion that is usable to attach the extraction component tothe waveguide, and one or more extraction slots, fabricated on one ormore end portions of the base portion, to enable one or more tools to beinserted into the one or more extraction slots for removal of thewaveguide from the wooden specimen.
 16. A method of manufacturing awaveguide for ultrasonic testing of wood, comprising: fabricating, fromone or more metallic components, a mating portion configured forinterfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer, whereinthe mating portion comprises: an impact surface that is configured toreceive an impact for driving the waveguide into the wood, and a contactwell, fabricated within the impact surface so that the contact well isnot contacted during the impact for driving the waveguide into the wood,configured to connect with the transducer horn; and fabricating, fromthe one or more metallic components, a body portion extends from themating portion, wherein the body portion comprises a radiating componentthat comprises an upper body portion, that is drivable into the wood,and a lower body portion that is attached to and extends outwardly fromthe upper body portion and is attached to the mating portion.
 17. Themethod of manufacturing of claim 16, wherein the fabricating of themating portion further comprises: fabricating a diameter of the upperbody portion smaller than a diameter of the lower body portion creatinga visual depth indicator, at an intersection between the upper bodyportion and the lower body portion, for driving the radiating componentinto the wood.
 18. The method of manufacturing of claim 16, wherein thefabricating of the mating portion further comprises fabricating theupper body portion and the lower body portion in a cylindrical shape;and creating, at an end portion of the upper body portion an insertiontip point that is one of: a cone-shaped tip and a linear tip.
 19. Themethod of manufacturing of claim 16, wherein the fabricating of themating portion further comprises cutting the contact well into theimpact surface and forming, the contact well, in a circular shape. 20.The method of manufacturing of claim 16, wherein the fabricating of themating portion further comprises executing one or more secant cuts tothe body portion to form one or more contact surfaces and one or morenon-contact surfaces that aid transmission of an ultrasonic signalthrough the body portion.